York University establishes The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health

York University has announced the establishment of The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health to address some of the most pressing issues of our time. The announcement was made on Tuesday, Dec. 8.

The institute will be a leader and a catalyst in addressing global health issues. It will provide a robust context for students involved in York’s Global Health program, as well as for academics and researchers working in the field at the University and around the world.

“We are thrilled that Dr. Dahdaleh shares our vision to build on York’s strength in global health,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, president and vice-chancellor of York University. “The Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health will serve as a focal point for international dialogue and collaboration in health innovation research and teaching that will have global impact and make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, now and in the future.”

The Dahdaleh Institute will reflect the multidisciplinary nature of global health with involvement from Faculties across the University, initially focused within the Faculty of Health. This initiative has been made possible by a transformational donation from Victor Phillip Dahdaleh, a U.K.-based Canadian business leader. Announced recently, Dahdaleh, who graduated from the University almost four decades ago, made a donation of $20 million, the largest gift ever given by a York graduate.

“I am excited and honoured to contribute to York University as it addresses global health and equity challenges through research, social innovation, international collaboration and leadership development, and prepares the next generation of global health leaders,” said Dahdaleh.

The institute’s work will lead to a reframing of the ways in which high- and low-income countries collaborate in the co-creation of solutions to global health challenges. A strategic advantage is York University’s focus on equity and its extensive range of global partners and networks linked to the culturally diverse Greater Toronto Area. These global-local links provide unparalleled opportunities for collaborative research and knowledge mobilization that address pressing health and social concerns.

Dahdaleh’s donation will provide both immediate and permanent funding to establish new Faculty positions, research initiatives and projects, scholarships and travel grants for domestic and international students.